Core Insights - Expedia Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPE) has been recognized as one of the 15 Best Stocks to Buy for the Medium Term [1] - Mizuho analyst raised the price target for Expedia to $270 from $240 while maintaining a Neutral rating, citing strong earnings and positive sales growth guidance for Q4 [2] - In fiscal Q4 2025, Expedia reported revenue of over $4.4 billion, a 9% year-over-year increase, surpassing Wall Street expectations [3] - Earnings per share reached $7.57, which is 23% higher than the previous year and 9% above estimates, with booked room nights growing 11% year-over-year [3] - The company experienced margin expansion of over 2 points due to operational discipline and volume leverage, and sees AI as a significant opportunity for future efficiency improvements [4] Financial Performance - Revenue for Q4 2025 was reported at just over $4.4 billion, exceeding the consensus estimate of $4.3 billion [3] - Earnings per share were reported at $7.57, which is 23% higher than the previous year [3] - Booked room nights increased by 11% year-over-year, marking the fastest growth in over three years [3] Strategic Outlook - Expedia guided for mid- to high-single-digit sales growth in Q4 and further margin expansion anticipated in 2026 [2] - The company highlighted the potential of AI to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness over time [4]

Core Viewpoint - Trip.com Group reported strong financial performance in Q3 2025, with revenue growth driven by various business segments and a reduction in sales and marketing expenses, leading to an increase in profit forecasts and target price [1][2]. Financial Performance - Q3 2025 revenue reached Rmb 18.4 billion, representing a 16% year-over-year increase [1]. - Non-GAAP operating profit for the same period was Rmb 6.1 billion, exceeding expectations due to lower-than-expected sales and marketing expense ratios [1]. - The company raised its 2025 non-GAAP EPS forecast from Rmb 27.8 to Rmb 45.4, primarily due to investment gains from MakeMyTrip [1]. Business Segment Performance - Accommodation reservation revenue increased by 18% year-over-year [2]. - Transportation ticketing revenue grew by 12% [2]. - Packaged-tour revenue saw a 3% increase [2]. - Corporate travel revenue rose by 15% [2]. - Other business revenue surged by 34% [2]. - Overall reservations on the Trip.com brand increased by over 60% year-over-year, with inbound travel bookings more than doubling and outbound hotel and air ticket bookings up 140% compared to 2019 levels [2]. Market Outlook - The company maintains a Buy rating, reflecting optimism about its leading position in China's online travel industry and potential for market share growth internationally [3]. - The target price has been raised from HK$ 618 to HK$ 657, indicating a 21% upside [1].

Core Insights - Tripadvisor's annual Winter Travel Index indicates a significant increase in winter travel demand, with 60% of travelers planning trips and 45% traveling more than last year [1][2] - Cost remains a primary consideration for travelers, yet over half (52%) are expected to spend more this year despite economic uncertainties [2] Travel Preferences - Travelers are divided in their destination choices, with major cold-weather cities like New York City and London competing with warm-weather destinations such as Cancun and Bangkok [3][5] - U.S. travelers show a preference for both cold and warm destinations, favoring New York City and sunny international locations, particularly in Mexico [3][7] Travel Behavior and Activities - A strong emphasis on activities and experiences is noted, with 93% of travelers considering experiences important to their travel budget and 84% prioritizing planned activities [4][8] - Cultural sightseeing is the most popular travel activity at 38%, followed by nature sightseeing (37%), shopping (31%), and road trips (28%) [4] Generational Trends - Travel behaviors vary significantly by age group, with Gen Z and Millennials showing a higher preference for activities compared to older generations [11] - Younger travelers are more likely to plan ambitious itineraries, with nearly one-third visiting three or more cities during their biggest winter trip [11] Seasonal Influences - Seasonal factors influence 86% of winter travel decisions, with a focus on family connections and cultural experiences during the holiday season [13]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The focus for 2026 in Asian markets will shift from AI-driven stocks to growth opportunities beyond AI, dividends, and previously overlooked stories in Asia [2][12][14] - Key themes include structural stories in energy self-sufficiency, new technology, financial deepening, and the growth of formal retail in ASEAN [12][14] Company-Specific Insights 1. Harbin Electric (1133 HK) - **Sector**: Electrical Equipment - **Market Cap**: USD 3.648 billion - **Current Price**: HKD 15.53; **Target Price**: HKD 22.00 - **PE Ratio**: 10.7; **PB Ratio**: 1.6; **ROE**: 16.2% - **Key Points**: - Benefiting from China's push for energy self-sufficiency, particularly in coal and nuclear power [16][18] - Expected earnings CAGR of 34% from 2024-2027 [19] - Potential inclusion in Stock Connect in 2026 [19] 2. Horizon Robotics (9660 HK) - **Sector**: Auto Components - **Market Cap**: USD 14.901 billion - **Current Price**: CNY 8.44; **Target Price**: CNY 11.00 - **Key Points**: - Positioned to benefit from the growth of autonomous driving technology [23][25] - Expected revenue CAGR of 64% from 2025-2027 [27] 3. Goldwind Science & Tech (002202 CH) - **Sector**: Electric Utilities - **Market Cap**: USD 8.753 billion - **Current Price**: CNY 15.35; **Target Price**: CNY 20.40 - **Key Points**: - Leading manufacturer of wind turbines with strong demand in emerging markets [30][32] - Expected net profit growth of 58% in 2025 [32] 4. Trip.com Group (TCOM US) - **Sector**: Internet Software & Services - **Market Cap**: USD 48.707 billion - **Current Price**: USD 74.52; **Target Price**: USD 90.00 - **Key Points**: - Dominates China's online travel market with over 50% GTV [39] - Expected revenue growth of 15% CAGR from 2025-2027 [39] 5. BOCHK Holdings (2388 HK) - **Sector**: Commercial Banks - **Market Cap**: USD 54.013 billion - **Current Price**: HKD 39.70; **Target Price**: HKD 45.20 - **Key Points**: - Benefits from increased cross-border opportunities and offers a 5.5% dividend yield [44][46] 6. PB Fintech (POLICYBZ IN) - **Sector**: Internet Software & Services - **Market Cap**: USD 8.999 billion - **Current Price**: INR 1,734.70; **Target Price**: INR 2,250.00 - **Key Points**: - Operates India's largest online insurance marketplace [49] - Expected revenue CAGR of 30% from 2025-2028 [51] 7. Phoenix Mills (PHNX IN) - **Sector**: Real Estate Management & Development - **Market Cap**: USD 6.904 billion - **Current Price**: INR 1,714.80; **Target Price**: INR 2,110.00 - **Key Points**: - Largest mall operator in India, evolving into a mixed-use developer [54][56] 8. E-Mart (139480 KS) - **Sector**: Multiline Retail - **Market Cap**: USD 1.482 billion - **Current Price**: KRW 79,000.00; **Target Price**: KRW 120,000.00 - **Key Points**: - Trading at 0.2x PB, highlighting deep value [59] - Transformation into a multiline retailer with various catalysts for growth [60] 9. E Ink Holdings (8069 TT) - **Sector**: Technology - **Market Cap**: Not specified - **Current Price**: TWD 169.00; **Target Price**: TWD 305.00 - **Key Points**: - Holds over 90% of the global e-paper market and expanding capacity [62] 10. ICTSI (ICT PM) - **Sector**: Transport & Logistics - **Market Cap**: Not specified - **Current Price**: PHP 558.50; **Target Price**: PHP 630.00 - **Key Points**: - Offers growth and yield at attractive valuations [62] 11. City Developments (CIT SP) - **Sector**: Real Estate Management & Development - **Market Cap**: Not specified - **Current Price**: SGD 7.43; **Target Price**: SGD 11.00 - **Key Points**: - Positioned to benefit from a turnaround in Singapore's property sector [62] 12. Sumber Alfaria Trijaya (AMRT IJ) - **Sector**: Retail - **Market Cap**: Not specified - **Current Price**: IDR 1,895.00; **Target Price**: IDR 2,900.00 - **Key Points**: - Expected to benefit from policies boosting consumption in Indonesia [62] Additional Insights - Asian dividends have doubled over the last 20 years, indicating potential for further increases in payout ratios [12] - The report emphasizes the importance of EPS growth for continued market gains, particularly in China [12][14]

Group 1 - BNP Paribas Exane initiated coverage on Booking Holdings with an Outperform rating and a $6,100 price target [1] - Booking's industry-leading margin profile and extensive user base position the company for continued investment in international expansion, U.S. market share initiatives, alternative accommodations, and artificial intelligence technologies [1] - Despite elevated investment levels, Booking is expected to grow both market share and earnings according to BNP Paribas [1] Group 2 - The brokerage projected Booking's share of global travel and accommodation (excluding China) to reach 4.1% by 2027, up from 3.6% in 2024 [2] - This projection supports the bullish valuation case for Booking Holdings [2]

Core Insights - Airbnb (ABNB) is considered a strong investment option due to its high cash yield, solid fundamentals, and attractive valuation [2][3] - Despite a 13% decline in stock price this year, ABNB is trading at a significant discount compared to its historical price-to-sales ratios [3][4] - The company reported a 9% year-over-year increase in Nights and Seats booked for Q3 2025, indicating positive growth momentum [3][4] Financial Performance - Active listings have exceeded 8 million globally, with average daily rates stabilizing at $173 in 2025 [4] - Revenue forecast for Q4 2025 shows an 8.5% year-over-year increase, surpassing analyst expectations [4] - The operating margin for the last twelve months stands at 22.6%, reflecting strong profitability [8] Valuation Metrics - ABNB stock is currently trading at 32% less than its 2-year high and 11% below its 1-month high, with a price-to-sales ratio lower than its 3-year average [8] - The last twelve months of revenue growth is recorded at 10.2%, indicating modest but positive growth [8] Market Context - Some cities and countries are imposing restrictions on Airbnb hosts to protect the hotel industry, which may impact future growth [2] - The company is expanding its offerings with Airbnb Experiences and a hotel pilot program while integrating AI to enhance user experience [4]

Group 1 - Booking Holdings' CFO Ewout Steenbergen will present at the Nasdaq 53rd Investor Conference in London on December 9, starting at 4:30 am ET / 9:30 am GMT [1] - A live audio cast of the presentation will be accessible to the public, with a replay available approximately 24 hours later for 12 months [1] - Booking Holdings is recognized as the world's leading provider of online travel and related services, operating in over 220 countries and territories through five main consumer-facing brands [2][3] Group 2 - The company aims to simplify global travel experiences for consumers and local partners [2] - Booking Holdings will release its third quarter 2025 financial results on October 28 at approximately 4:00 p.m. ET [4]

Core Insights - The article compiles significant research calls from Wall Street, highlighting upgrades and downgrades of various companies that investors should be aware of [1] Upgrades - Wells Fargo upgraded Merck (MRK) to Overweight from Equal Weight with a price target of $125, increased from $90, citing business development and pipeline progress as key factors for revenue growth in the early 2030s [2] - Wolfe Research upgraded Morgan Stanley (MS) to Outperform from Peer Perform with a price target of $198, anticipating accelerated revenue growth from investment banking share gains and organic growth in wealth management [3] - HSBC upgraded Flutter Entertainment (FLUT) to Buy from Hold with a price target of $228, reduced from $265, viewing the recent share selloff as a buying opportunity [3] - BofA upgraded Booking Holdings (BKNG) to Buy from Neutral with an unchanged price target of $6,000, believing that concerns regarding disintermediation risks from Google and OpenAI are overstated [4] - Wedbush upgraded Carvana (CVNA) to Outperform from Neutral with a price target of $400, increased from $380, suggesting that the recent share pullback is overdone [5] Downgrades - UBS downgraded JFrog (FROG) to Neutral from Buy with a price target of $65, up from $48, indicating that while AI-related benefits are significant, the larger revenue impact is likely 12-18 months away [6] - Jefferies downgraded Exact Sciences (EXAS) to Hold from Buy with a price target of $105, up from $90, due to the pending acquisition by Abbott, which is seen as a win for Exact Sciences [6] - Evercore ISI downgraded QuantumScape (QS) to In Line from Outperform with a price target of $12, up from $8, citing valuation concerns as shares have risen 200% year-to-date [6] - UBS downgraded Jazz Pharmaceuticals (JAZZ) to Neutral from Buy with a price target of $188, up from $163, stating that the stock appears fairly valued after a strong Phase 3 GEA update and a 25% stock increase [6] - TD Cowen downgraded PureCycle Technologies (PCT) to Hold from Buy with a price target of $9, down from $16, due to delays in orders and growth plans, prompting a more cautious stance [6]

Group 1 - Market momentum may be shifting as investors are sensing the threat of a possible AI bubble and are seeking companies with strong fundamentals over more speculative plays [3] - A new set of upgrades from analysts highlights three companies: Carpenter Technology Corp. (NYSE: CRS), Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG), and Allegheny Technologies Inc. (NYSE: ATI), providing a diversified list of names that may withstand market uncertainty [4] - Carpenter Technology focuses on specialty metals used in aerospace, defense, energy, and medical sectors, and has a valuable niche in producing superalloys relied upon by aerospace manufacturing clients [5] Group 2 - Carpenter Technology is exposed to vulnerabilities in the aerospace and defense industries, but benefits when these sectors thrive, with analysts expecting more than 20% upside in the near term due to higher engine production and increased defense demand [6] - Carpenter's first-quarter fiscal 2026 earnings report showed a solid EPS beat by 30 cents, with record adjusted operating income driven by favorable pricing and productivity gains [7] - The company has negotiated multiple long-term agreements with major price increases, locking in its fundamental strength for future quarters, leading to a flurry of analyst upgrades and raised price targets [7] Group 3 - Recent ratings upgrades by analysts indicate strong fundamentals for Carpenter Technology and Allegheny Technologies, both closely tied to the thriving aerospace and defense industries [8] - Booking Holdings has attracted investor attention due to its climbing top and bottom lines despite facing industry headwinds [8]

Summary of Q3'25 Earnings Call for US Internet & Interactive Entertainment Companies Industry Overview - The earnings season for US Internet & Interactive Entertainment companies was marked by volatility in stock price reactions, driven by emerging themes in the market [3][4][5]. Key Themes and Insights 1. **AI Investment Trends** - There is a significant increase in AI investments from major players like Amazon (AMZN), Google (GOOGL), and Meta (META), with capital expenditures (capex) rising [3][18]. - The demand for AI workloads is increasing, leading to accelerated revenue growth for public hyperscalers [3][37]. - Investor discussions are focused on the rate of change in investments and the return on spend, particularly for Alphabet and Amazon, while Meta's visibility into returns remains debated [3][18]. 2. **Digital Consumer Behavior** - There is a mixed picture regarding consumer spending, with lower-income households facing downward pressure on discretionary purchases [3][4]. - Brand advertising has shown volatility, particularly among large advertisers in sectors like auto and retail, which could impact the broader digital economy [3][4]. 3. **Growth-Oriented Investments** - Companies are prioritizing long-term growth opportunities related to AI over short-term margins, which requires more proof points to boost investor confidence [4][18]. Company-Specific Insights 1. **Amazon (AMZN)** - AWS revenue growth was approximately 20%, alleviating some bearish concerns regarding its competitive positioning in AI and non-AI workloads [5][37]. - The upcoming AWS re:Invent conference is anticipated to provide further insights into AI positioning and capacity easing [5]. 2. **Meta Platforms (META)** - The deployment of AI has led to better-than-expected revenue growth, but elevated investment levels and questions about long-term monetization opportunities are weighing on investor sentiment [8][18]. 3. **Uber (UBER)** - Demand across mobility and delivery sectors remained strong, with solid bookings trends and positive forward commentary [8][62]. - Investors are focused on the impact of medium to long-term investments on margins and the evolution of the autonomous vehicle landscape [8][62]. 4. **Google (GOOGL)** - GOOGL reported healthy topline growth across all major segments, with positive trends in monetizing AI offerings [8][37]. - The company raised its FY25 capex guidance to $91-93 billion, indicating a commitment to long-term AI opportunities [18]. 5. **eCommerce Trends** - eCommerce results were generally positive, with companies like Amazon and eBay highlighting AI initiatives to enhance customer experience [29]. - Despite a sluggish consumer spending environment, companies demonstrated resilient performance and market share gains [29]. Risks and Considerations - The competitive intensity around AI foundational models is a key risk factor, with ongoing monitoring of spending rates and monetization potential [3][18]. - Investors are concerned about the sustainability of growth in consumer spending, particularly as the holiday season approaches [7][51]. - The online travel sector is facing challenges with more difficult comparisons in Q4, despite a solid travel environment in Q3 [50][51]. Conclusion - The Q3'25 earnings call highlighted a complex landscape for US Internet & Interactive Entertainment companies, with significant focus on AI investments, consumer behavior, and company-specific growth strategies. Investors are advised to remain vigilant regarding macroeconomic conditions and competitive dynamics as they assess future opportunities and risks in the sector [3][4][5][18].